Ottone between the Apennine landscape, history and regional cuisine

Ottone brings together several facets of a place: a typical Apennine landscape with mountains in the background and the Trebbia River, tangible evidence of religious and craft history, and cuisine rooted in Ligurian traditions and mountain cooking. This makes it a destination that cannot be reduced to a single experience. When planning a hotel stay in Ottone, you can shape the focus of your trip around the themes that interest you most: architecture, historical technology, landscape, a former postal route or regional cuisine.

Apennine landscape and location

Ottone is situated in a typical Apennine landscape with mountains in the background and the Trebbia River. The town also lies on the road connecting Piacenza and Genoa. The mountain scenery, the river and this link between two cities offer different perspectives on Ottone. When looking for accommodation, you can take the landscape setting into account alongside the town’s cultural attractions as you plan your trip.

The Chiesa di San Marziano

The present structure of the Chiesa di San Marziano was completely rebuilt between the 17th and 18th centuries. Its single-nave interior is complemented by four side chapels: the two chapels on the right are dedicated to the Madonna della Salute and the Beata Vergine del Rosario, while the two on the left are dedicated to Sant’Antonio and the Crocifisso. The church also contains a baptismal font made of multicoloured marble. Those interested in Italian sacred architecture and local history will find several tangible details here that reveal the development of the town.

Ottone’s historic mill

The historic mill in Ottone was built by the Malaspina in the 12th century and renovated by the Doria in the 16th century. The historic mill of the Doria princes, the „Mulino dei principi“, is now privately owned. At the same time, it is still operational and has two independently working wheels. Its construction history, ownership status and technical features provide a precise picture of this distinctive historic building, without implying that it is open to the public.

Along the former postal route

A 17-kilometre route in Ottone follows the former route of the postmen through the five municipal hamlets of Artana, Belnome, Pizzonero, Suzzi and Bogli. The route passes through several local districts and has a historical connection. Every spring, a group excursion accompanied by fifes and accordions is organised along this former postal route. For your travel planning, this route combines a stay amid the landscape with the history of the former local connection.

Ligurian cuisine and mountain cooking

Trattorias and restaurants in Ottone serve typical Ligurian cuisine as well as mountain dishes. These two culinary traditions complement the town’s natural and historical attractions. When choosing a hotel in Ottone, you can therefore take your personal interests into account: the Chiesa di San Marziano, the history of the mill, the former postal route, the Apennine landscape or regional cuisine.

Other places

Other places for orientation: Caminata, Vernasca, Agazzano, Ferriere, Borgonovo Valtidone, Carpaneto Piacentino, Casa Nuova and Croce.

For the broader travel overview: Piacenza.